Game Preview: NC State vs Connecticut

NC State gets another chance at a quality non-conference win when they play Connecticut in the Jimmy V Classic. In looking at Connecticut's profile, the Pack shouldn't have too many worries with regard to rebounding in this one. As poor as the Pack have been lately rebounding (they were slightly better against Michigan), UConn is ranked nearly in the 300's in both rebounding %'s. UConn takes care of the ball, makes nearly 80% of their free throw attempts, and make you work for good shots.

UConn has two of the best shot blockers in the nation in DeAndre Daniels and Tyler Olander. The key to the NC State offense is Leslie and Howell will have to make good decisions for when to attack and when to kick out to shooters.

NC State should win this one by 5-7 points.

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Seth Greenberg Analysis

North Carolina State is shooting the ball well, but coach Mark Gottfried needs to see improvement on the defensive end.

That could be a test for the 25th-ranked Wolfpack on Tuesday night when they'll face Connecticut guards Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.

Losers of two of three following a 3-0 start, North Carolina State (4-2) makes its second appearance in this event following Tuesday's 79-72 loss at No. 3 Michigan in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Wolfpack shot a season-best 57.1 percent from the field after making 55.8 percent in an 82-80 victory over UNC Asheville four days earlier, but both of those opponents also made half their field-goal attempts.